President Carlos AlvaradoEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

This episode turns the spotlight on political will as the decisive, often underestimated force in strengthening global public health. Our guest is former President Carlos Alvarado of Costa Rica, whose government steered the country through the COVID-19 pandemic on the strength of a public health system decades in the making, and who has continued to shape global conversations on public health, climate change, and governance since leaving office. Drawing on his leadership in Costa Rica and his ongoing work in global health diplomacy, this conversation explores what it truly takes - politically, institutionally, and personally - to build health systems that hold up under pressure, and what it will take to do the same at regional and global scales. President Alvarado is also a member of Club de Madrid. Special thanks to Club de Madrid.

SUMMARY In this episode of The Carbon Connection , we explore how Costa Rica became an example of sustainability, with Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, Paul Dickinson of Outrage and Optimism & their esteemed guest, Costa Rican President, Carlos Alvarado. This episode of Outrage and Optimism shows what can be done when an entire country makes the environment a priority. Seventy-three years ago Costa Rica abandoned its military and then invested that money into biodiversity and education. Since then, by protecting over 50% of their forests and ensuring their energy grid is 99.5% renewables, they have become leaders in the fight against climate change. Costa Rican president Carlos Alvarado, who proudly identifies as a “helper in the world,” shows that impactful change is possible, even at the highest level of leadership. This episode is an inspiration for any leadership team–country, business, or organization– who seeks to make a positive impac t in the world. To learn more about countries leading the way with climate change, please visit www.thecarbonalmanac.org . CONTRIBUTORS Special Acknowledgment : Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, Paul Dickinson of Outrage and Optimism Also Executive Producer Sarah Thomas, Producer Clay Carnill and Digital Communications Manager Kam-Mei Chak Episode Producer : Katherine Palmer Editor : Tania Marien Production Team : Leekei Tang, Dr. Lynda Ulrich, Mary Paffard Senior Producer : Tania Marien Supervising Producer : Jennifer Myers Chua Music : Cool Carbon Instrumental, Paul Russell, Musicbed Episode Art : Jennifer Myers Chua Network Voiceover : Olabanji Stephen

¡Feliz Día de la Abolición del Ejército en Costa Rica! Happy Military Abolition Day in Costa Rica! Every year on December 1st, the country of Costa Rica celebrates the day that Christiana’s father and former Costa Rican president, José Figueres Ferrer, abolished their national army and redirected that part of the national budget to biodiversity and education. This year marks the 73rd anniversary! So with that in mind, we take a break from our COP26 reflections to speak with President Carlos Alvarado of Costa Rica! With over 50% of their country re-forested, an energy grid that is 99.5% renewables, and ZERO investments in weapons or military, Costa Rica is a model for how to lead sustainably in a world of compounding crises. How does Costa Rica do it, and what can other countries learn from this example? May we all be more like Costa Rica! And! Stick around ‘til the end for a soulful tune from musical artist Bobby Bazini! — Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise — Mentioned links from the episode: Listen: The Way Out Is In Podcast __ Thank you to our guest this week: Carlos Alvarado Quesada President | Costa Rica Instagram | Facebook | Twitter — The incredible Bobby Bazini is our musical guest this week! Bobby Bazini Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Tour Dates — Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter — Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.